Do you Know Your Autoimmune Diseases?

It is estimated that one in five people suffer from an autoimmune disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified over 80 different autoimmune diseases, and though their exact causes are usually unknown, most seem to be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental causes. It is known that women make up about 78% of autoimmune patients, but it is not known why there is such a prevalence. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of autoimmune diseases.

Which demyelinating autoimmune disease is the most common, especially in temperate climates?

Transverse myelitis

Neuromyelitis optica

Multiple sclerosis

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis

Correct!

Wrong!

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Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and what condition that causes flaky skin?

Psoriasis

Eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis

Rosacea

Correct!

Wrong!

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Studies of autoimmune responses in what town in the Western US linked disease prevalence with asbestos exposure?

Casper, Wyoming

Salmon, Idaho

Dugway, Utah

Libby, Montana

Correct!

Wrong!

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An expert panel assembled by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) discovered a link between smoking and what common autoimmune disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lupus

Graves’ disease

Psoriatic arthritis

Correct!

Wrong!

-

Which form of diabetes is a common autoimmune disease, but not the most common form of diabetes?

Diabetes insipidus

Gestational diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Prediabetes

Correct!

Wrong!

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Celiac disease is another common autoimmune disorder that causes an inability to process gluten. People with celiac who eat gluten can experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and what other two less common symptoms?

Insomnia and hair loss

Irritability and depression

Blurred vision and rash

Shortness of breath and stroke

Correct!

Wrong!

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One rare autoimmune disease is called Goodpasture syndrome, or anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. What two organs does this disease primarily effect?

Liver and pancreas

Heart and stomach

Large and small intestine

Lungs and kidneys

Correct!

Wrong!

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Addison’s disease causes the adrenal glands to not produce sufficient steroids, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and mood changes. Which American president was confirmed to have Addison’s disease after his untimely death?

William H. Taft

John F. Kennedy

Franklin D. Roosevelt

George H.W. Bush

Correct!

Wrong!

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Kissing bugs, or Trypanosoma cruzi, are tropical insects that have recently been detected as far north as Delaware. The insect’s bite can cause an infection that leads to what autoimmune disease?

Pemphigus

Chron’s disease

Chagas disease

Evans syndrome

Correct!

Wrong!

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Pop musician Toni Braxton has which common autoimmune disease that is frequently accompanied by joint pain and facial rash?

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